Partha threatens CPM

While CPI(M) leaders are criticising the state government and Trinamool Congress leadership for precipitating matters at Haldia, senior Trinamool leader and industry minister Partha Chatterjee on Friday took the battle right into the opposition camp, threatening to take up complaints against Suryakanta Mishra, the leader of the opposition.

"We have loads of complaints against the former health and panchayat minister Suryakanta Mishra. Our chief minister is showing patience. But if this kind of campaigns continue, then the files of corruption against him will be reopened," commerce minister Chatterjee said, adding that such action by the government would lead to the opening of a can of worms.

According to Chatterjee, Mishra's party had left behind a mountain of debt for the new state government. "We came to power with a debt burden of Rs 2.03 lakh crore. Our chief minister is trying to take the state forward but such malicious campaigns (like Haldia) are on," Chatterjee said.

According to the minister, if the government orders a probe then Mishra will be in for deep trouble. "Issues from the irregularities in PTTI to corruption in his own department have flooded our offices. The government will consider initiating a probe into all these complaints," Chatterjee said.

Chatterjee also countered the campaign that industrialists were leaving the state by announcing that top officials of four industrial houses had met him with proposals of investment in Bengal.

"ITC has thanked us for solving the land acquisition problem at Panchla and Uluberia. They are interested in setting up another plant for food processing or biscuit manufacturing. They will invest a hefty sum which will open the doors for employment," the minister said.

"Badrinath Alliance and Steel will start their second steel factory at Kulgachia in Howrah. They will invest Rs 500 crore. The project will come up on a 60-acre plot. Mohan Boards will set up a factory of corrugated board at Bagnan. Balmer Lawrie is also acquiring land on their own for their project in Hooghly," Chatterjee said.

The minister reiterated that the industrialisation process in the state had not been hampered. "Many more companies are coming to invest in the state and many have shown interest. Please let us work for the interest of the people of the state. Please do not misguide or misinform the people. If you do so, the people will not forgive you," Chatterjee said in an obvious reference to the CPI(M) leaders.